California Lions Rick Leong

This month we here from Rick Leong Chairman of the California Lions in the USA

What was your first Villa game?

May 2012 vs. Tottenham Hotspurs. Although I have been chairman for the California Lions Club since 2009, earlier this year was my first visit to Villa Park. The experience was amazing – visiting with Lions Club members prior to the game in the Lions Club Suite and the draw that day helped keep us up last season. I originally became a Villa supporter because of Villa’s ties with Acorns and my personal ties as a pediatric hospice volunteer in the States.

What was your first Villa kit?

My first kit was the 2009 “Acorns” home kit. The oldest kit that I own is the 1995-1995 Third kit (blue)

Where do you sit at Villa Park?

In the lower Holte – when I am there.

Who is your all-time Villa hero?

Despite not having the long personal history with the team, I would have to say Nigel Spinks for his responding to the call of duty in 1982 to capture the European Cup title.

What trophy would you most like to see Villa win?

The UEFA Champions League!

What is your favourite away ground?

I have no favourite from personal experience, but from afar, I would have to say I would love to see Villa crush Man United at Old Trafford!

Stepping out in my Villa home kit onto the hallowed pitch at Villa Park to play as a member of the international team in the 2012 Lions Club chairman’s game. Walking from the Academy changing room, across the car park, and into the stadium was like walking on a cloud – it was thrilling and unbelievable. We also received applause from people still milling about outside of Villa Park as we strolled into the stadium.

What would your ideal away kit colour combination be?

White shirt, claret shorts, blue socks.

If you won the Euro lottery…..?

Purchase a Boeing 747-800, hire a flight crew, and establish it as a chartered flight for the California Lions Club members to make every home match at Villa Park! With the rest, make the Lions Club Suite “hosted” location for pre-match food and drink! (If you are going to dream, might as well dream BIG!) Up the Villa!